The larvae of L calcarifer feed on live zooplankton The first feed- ing begins with rotifers (Brachionus). Later, it is supplemented with Artemia, Moina/Daphnia, Acetes and minced trash fish. By 18th to 20th day of development, the larvae assume a pale brownish colouration and the vertical stripes are clearly distinguishable. In about 40-45 days, the growing young ones turn into fry and measure 1.5 to 2 cm in length. The rate of survival is about 30% for one-to-seven-day-old larvae, 80% for eight-to-15-day-old young ones and nearly 100% survival thereafter.